Cutting down on energy use is very important these days, and not just for financial reasons. But anyone who has owned a pool knows that they can use quite a bit of electricity. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your pool more energy efficient, meaning you can cut down on your energy use without sacrificing comfort or looks. Here are five ways to boost your pool’s energy efficiency and enjoy a guilt-free summer of swimming:
- Cover Your Pool
One of the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your pool is to install a pool cover. This will reduce pool heating costs, as well as evaporation. Evaporation is a major problem because quite a bit of energy has already been spent treating and preparing the water that’s in your pool — meaning that when you add more water to your pool, you’re also going to be using quite a bit of energy. There are numerous pool cover options available these days, from old-fashioned manual ones to automatic covers operated at the touch of a button.
- Install a Windbreak
Wind blowing across the surface of your pool also causes evaporation. You should already have a fence around your pool for safety reasons, but adding screening or climbing plants to that fence will cut down on the wind that gets in. Your pool area will become more comfortable and more private, too.
- Get a More Efficient Pump
Sometimes, efficiency just comes down to technology. Buying better pool equipment, such as an energy-efficient pool pump, is a good investment when it comes to both the environment and your electricity bills.
- Use LED Pool Lighting
LED pool lights don’t look any different than standard ones, but they use far less energy. LED bulbs last 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs, too. And if that weren’t enough, LED pool lighting now comes in myriad colors, so you can use lighting to dress up your outdoor decor and make your pool more visually appealing. It’s hard to argue with all those benefits.
- Clean the Filter Regularly
Maintenance is key when it comes to the efficiency of any electrical system, and your pool is no different. You can keep debris from reaching your filter in the first place by skimming the pool’s surface regularly, and scheduling a backwash every once in a while (reversing the system to remove clogs) will help as well. You’ll also need to manually clean the filter, or ensure that your maintenance team is doing so.
How else can pools be made more energy efficient or otherwise environmentally friendly? Share your ideas in the discussion below.